African Violets

The Violet Barn

African violets

Use this page to view the latest African violet varieties available in our 2009 catalog.

We're famous for our miniature and trailing African violet hybrids. All 'Rob's' varieties are proven, show-quality plants that grow and bloom readily, even under less than ideal conditions. They are bred to shape nicely, bloom continually, and typically will have unusually colored and larger than average-size blooms. All do well under either artificial or natural light.

We also grow many standard-size varieties (actually more than we do minis!). Our 'Ma's' varieties of standard-sized African violets possess the same characteristics and have become favorites of both hobbyist and collector. We grow only superior varieties that grow and bloom easily. We have no interest in growing "problem plants". Most will also make excellent show plants for those interested in exhibition.

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for more information on that type of African violet

Miniature African violets. We specialize in miniature and semiminiature African violets. When mature, miniatures grow to less than 6" in diameter, semiminis to less than 8". With proper culture, actual plant size can be much smaller in practice. Because these are small-growing plants and have small root systems, never use a pot bigger than 2 1/2" in diameter.

Pictured at left: 'Rob's Scrumptious'

Trailing African violets have a naturally crawling or spreading habit. They produce branches or "runners" which then often grow along the soil surface, rooting and branching as they grow. They can be grown either as ground-covers or as hanging plants. Though their leaf size will remain constant, the size of the plant is limited only by the grower. Care is identical to that of other violets.

Pictured at left: 'Rob's Boolaroo', a Best in Show exhibit

Standard African violets are those varieties that, when mature, will exceed 8" in diameter. In practice, most grow to about 10-12". When grown for exhibition, they can exceed 18-24" across. We grow only those varieties that we deem superior to others in growth habit and bloom. These aren't your usual, run-of-the mill supermarket violets! Only their size is ordinary.

Pictured at left: Olive with a 'Best in Show' exhibit, 'Opera's il Straniero'

Chimeras are plants for which propagation by leaf cuttings will not produce plantlets identical to the original plant. These are typically the "pinwheel" blossomed varieties that show broad center and side stripes of different colors. These are quite unusual, genetically more rare, and can be propagated only by suckers. Care is identical to that of other violets. Both miniatures and standards available.

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